Friday, December 31, 2010

Bridesmaid Dresses of Interest – Part 2

Tea-length dresses tend to be more Alice-y and the shorter dresses are super adorable. November however, could be brisk, especially in the evening hours. Then again we aren’t spending oodles of time outside so here’s the long and short of it (mostly short):




Thursday, December 30, 2010

Bridesmaid Dresses of Interest – Part 1

Now that I have my dress it’s time to start torturing myself and my bridesmaids with the myriad of choices available for their attire. The hard part is that I haven’t really decided on key factors like. . .you know. . . color and length. Whatevs. Here's the long and short of it (mostly long):



Jim Hjelm Style jh5974

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Snow Problem!!!

Nature has blessed us with quite a bit of snow round here. Now I have time to make lists. I’m all about the list. Lists are great! I love lists! Whenever I feel particularly overwhelmed I make a list. Like right now I’m making a list of…..LISTS!!! I also thought I'd post some pics of pup from the last big snowstorm.
Pup trying to decide if he wants to go out.

 

Monday, December 27, 2010

Iz Snowed In!!

Brrrr!!!! It’s cold round these parts and terribly snowy. Dog is so much smarter than me and refused to hang out in the snow. Here’s what it looks like in my neck of the woods.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Vitamin Power

On Tuesday, November 23rd I took my first prenatal vitamin. <<cue dramatic music>> Do not be alarmed citizens! I'm just trying to grow my hair out. An internet birdie told me about it. Let's see what happens. I'm now 30 days in and I'm not sure if it's working. I have 100 pills in the bottle so this experiment will continue for another two months. Of course I'll be updating the blog with my progress or lack thereof. Welcome to my first update

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

Sticker shock!

Source


That’s an understatement. I just got my first florist quote today and to say it’s over my budget is putting it mildly. Now I’ll confess, my ideas are a bit over the top. I have a very particular vision for the reception. Because of this very particular vision I’m keeping it simple for the ceremony and cocktail hour.

Not to keep you in too much suspense. . .

I opened the proposal and scrolled down to look for the total. Oh, 6 grand. Okay, over budget but not too bad I guess. Wait, why does that say deposit amount? Does she want me to deposit the full amount? Hmmm… if that’s not the total. . .

Holly hell muffins! 

She said in the email that it was considerably over my budget.  
Yeah to the tune of $20,000. That’s pronounced twenty thousand doll hairs. As my friend Pippa would say: "That’s a whole lot of doll hairs!"

Maybe I need to consider:

a) scaling back my vision
b) getting another quote
c) figuring out how we can do this ourselves
d) balloons


Thoughts?

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Light in the Box

Mumsie is amazing! She found this website called Light in the Box and she’s over the moon about it. Look at all of the fun stuff she’s bought already. Don't mind the horrible personal photos mostly taken by me. I wasn't prepared for the onslaught of wedding goodness when I went over to visit. Don't mind our decidely casual/frumpy house clothes. On with the show!

Monday, December 20, 2010

bridal clutch


I can’t remember where I was first introduced to Emma Gordon. Perhaps, it was from my London loving peanut. Anywhos, I just adore these clutches. They would make for adorable bridesmaids' gifts. She can customize them to go with your wedding colors. Plus, if you just want one for yourself…she’s having a sale.

Here are some of my favs:

Thursday, December 16, 2010

I’m Your Biggest Fan!

The guest experience is a big deal. As a couple our goal is to make sure our guests have a great time and that they feel special and well taken care of. Sick of my crazy ideas yet? Well too bad! Mwhahaha. I’ve got another one.
What if. . .

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Yeah I'm a Nut!

If you haven't quite guessed yet I'm a bit of a loon. Which is okay because hey everybody can't be sane. Here's the latest: I’m starting to work on my invites. I can’t really tell you too much cause it’s super secret until I send them out. In any event I ordered some sample boxes. Yep, I’m doing boxed invitations. I ordered some samples from usbox.com. Of course being the Mensa member that I am I mis-entered my mailing address. I get confused. It happens. Don’t judge!


Tuesday, December 14, 2010

A Funny Thing Happened. . .

Over the weekend I had this florist appointment that really chafed my chaps. We were a wee bit late for our two o’clock appointment but as luck would have it she was still with another client. Her assistant told us it would be about 10-15 minutes. No bother. Sister and I amused ourselves by looking round the shoppe and perusing the portfolio that was left out. 

Friday, December 10, 2010

She Put a Flower in Her Hair

Now that I've bought the dress (which by the by I don't really think about too much. Is that weird?) I'm starting to look at accessories. Well I'm almost quite certain my granny is making my veil and garter. Maybe I should actually talk to her about that, huh? Whatevs.  Something lovely has struck my fancy. A couple of years ago I was a fanatic about wearing a flower in my hair. Even though I'm currently rocking the headbands (shout out to American Apparel. Call me.) I still like to switch it up and add a hair flower. Since I'm comfortable doing the hair flower thingy on the regular perhaps I could incorporate such loveliness on the wedding day. Where better than Etsy to start my search? I was not disappointed.


Wedding Wire

True to form I’ve had my Wedding Wire account for some time. My countdown is still a big number but it’s now less than 365. With that comes another milestone. I’ve finally caught up with their checklist. It’s December and it says I have 2 upcoming tasks!! I’ve been checking things off for awhile now but the checklist didn’t officially get going until December 2010. Part of me is excited and another part of me now feels like I’m behind. Typical. 


All this time I thought I was ahead I still have 95 tasks left!
What's left to be done? Everything!
Plus I plan on taking a holiday hiatus.  Should I be nervous?

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Hey Mr. DJ

I swear I didn’t mean to do it. It wasn’t on my to-do list at all. I wasn’t supposed to start lookin’ a DJ till April. And then it happened. . . I got that itch. Hi, remember me? I’m addicted to wedding magazines. Soooo. . . I just picked up a small one, you know, to take the edge off. Nice New York Weddings Magazine. Pretty pages chock full of vendor listings. Now I had every intention of just looking at florists but my eyes wandered over to the DJ listings. Just a quick peek.  Naturally some of them piqued my interest. On one of my many breaks from NOT writing my papers for class I started looking them up on the interweb. Ugh. . .don’t like you. No you won’t do either. Yikes, what do you mean you won’t play the Chicken Dance?!? It was all very disappointing. And then I found him. . .

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

No More Drama

Previously on Hearts & Whimsy there was a bit of drama surrounding the venue and catering.

Well no more!

Sister and I met with the new team at the museum last week. To be honest, I was all set for a fight. I was ready to get my ‘zilla on.

Monday, December 6, 2010

It's Finally Here!


Source

There’s a Paper Source in Brooklyn! Yippee!!! Conveniently located at 102 Smith Street for all my crafting needs. We (Mumsie, Sister and Lil Sis) went to their grand opening event this past Saturday. I. Love. This. Place. I’ve been stalking it all summer. I heard a rumor it was coming and every time I rode by on the bus I checked to see how much progress was being made. I might have actually taken a specific bus just to check the store’s status. Anywhos, they were doing demos all day on Saturday and we stuck around for the duration. I learned quite a bit. Something tells me I’ll be spending a lot of time and money here in the foreseeable future.

Things I’ve fallen in love with since Saturday:

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

November Wrap-up



November turned out to be quite the interesting month indeed. As you may recall I had some goals for this month. Let's see how I did.


(1) Formally inviting the bridal party? Umm. . . not so much. They all KNOW who they are but I ran into some setbacks with the actual invites. I'm not ready to call it a failure yet.  Details eventually. 


Monday, November 29, 2010

What's This All A--Bout?

First, an apology to our neighbors to the north. I just couldn't resist. I'm so weak.

Methinks I won’t be going with boutonnieres for the gents.  While they have their charms:

Pictures from the knot




















Saturday, November 27, 2010

Ceremony Readings.. Part Deux

I love words. I love these words.

I will probably include something from the e.e. cummings file. If not the one from the previous post then perhaps this one. We could read it to each other. You know alternating the lines. I kind of only like the parts I italicized though.


i love you much(most beautiful darling)

i love you much(most beautiful darling)

more than anyone on the earth and i
like you better than everything in the sky

-sunlight and singing welcome your coming

although winter may be everywhere
with such a silence and such a darkness
noone can quite begin to guess

(except my life)the true time of year-

and if what calls itself a world should have
the luck to hear such singing(or glimpse such
sunlight as will leap higher than high
through gayer than gayest someone’s heart at your each

nearness)everyone certainly would(my
most beautiful darling)believe in nothing but love

Oh dear! It wouldn't be at all right to chop up the poem. Alas.

On to the next.. on on to the next one. . .

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

Ceremony Readings

I've been buried in pictures of flowers and vases for the past couple of days. I hope to meet with florists before the end of this month. While perusing my wedding folder I came across some possible readings for the ceremony. How do you like these words?

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

If the Shoe Fits (Behind the Scenes)

I realized I failed to mention that I had to be in Times Square at 4am for that little adventure. I also failed to mention that I woke up in my bed (not located in Times Square) at 4:19am. Whoops! In any event I did mange to show up and participate. Here are some pictures of us before the main event. Pictures from Zimbio.













Monday, November 22, 2010

The Guest Experience



Yes, yes, yes, it’s my day. But any good hostess has to care about their guests. To that end there are some things I’m hoping will enhance the guest experience.

1) Bathroom baskets – A nicely appointed bathroom basket might not be used by everyone but the one person who finds the item they lack will think it’s a godsend.

Source
What goes in the basket you ask? Here's a pretty comprehensive list.

2) Dressing up the loo – A little attention to detail goes a long way in these spaces. Perhaps one of those Febreze Luminaries, a bit of potpourri and a dainty flower arrangement.


3) Flip flops for the dance floor – us girls are notorious and we never learn so this trend is a welcomed one. I personally don’t like flip flops but many of my female guests do. And though it pains me to say this…it’s not just about me.
4) Depending on the weather forecast we might try to have umbrellas on hand as well. I checked out the venue in the evening hours and it was nice and toasty on the inside. I don’t think I’ll need to provide any cover-ups for the ladies.

I have a few other things up my sleeve that are surprises but I’ll let you in on one of them. There’s a lot of talk about a send off for the bride and groom but I want to do a little whooping and hollering to welcome my guests. Let’s see what I come up with.

Are you doing anything special to enhance your guests' experience? 

What things did you really appreciate at any wedding you've attended? 



Sunday, November 21, 2010

If the Shoe Fits. . .


So remember when I told you about that wedding contest a week or so before? Well I finally have some pictures to share so I can tell you the whole story.

Once upon a time a wee maid (me) signed up for promotional stunt / wedding contest. It was sponsored by Wedding Central and the wee maid was thrilled to be participating. She received a message from the organizers asking her to confirm her participation ASAP. Being the excited maiden she was, she rang them up right away. Alas, she only got their voicemail.

Thursday, November 18, 2010

Miscellany Flowers of Interest


Along with the flowers I picked as the main ones for each part of the wedding I have some miscellanies that I would also like to include throughout.

One of those happens to be . . .

Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Send in the Carnations


Source


“Aren’t carnations the ones they use at funerals?” “Carnations at weddings? Tacky!”
Blah. Blah. Blah.

I. Love. Carnations.

Because. . .

Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Hydrangea in the House



Since we've decide to dedicate a bloom per room the trick here is giving each space a distinctive vibe. The ceremony space is tasked with being romantic, hence the roses. The cocktail hour is a different beast. It's everybody’s favorite part of the wedding. Here’s why:

Monday, November 15, 2010

Let There Be Flowers


Source

I have a love/hate relationship with flowers. I hate that they make me sneeze and my eyes run but they are sooo pretty. To make things a bit more interesting for me and to keep me focused I’ve decided to dedicate each part of the wedding to a particular bloom. Let's start with the ceremony, shall we?



What’s an AIW themed affair without roses? Gotta have em! Roses symbolize love, happiness, friendship (depending on the color). These are excellent sentiments for the ceremony.

Plus they are featured rather prominently in the AIW stories.

Sooo. . .the flower theme for the ceremony will be roses. I’m not fully committed to the colors yet but I would like to have some combo of purple and white/ivory roses.

Source


Source

In honor of the famous “painting the roses red” scene we will be rigging something up in the hallway that leads from the ceremony to the reception.

Source


We have a few ideas. Think hallway lined with roses in shades of white to red. Maybe throw in some greenery. Hedges maybe? Topiary rabbits? Can you tell I haven’t met with any florists yet?

Source
Aren't they cute? This may turn into a DIY project.


Friday, November 12, 2010

Venue Stalking

So we did a little informal venue walkthrough yester-eve. It was Lil Sis, Sister, Mumsie and me. Here are some pictures (as taken by Lil Sis).

The ceremony space is the front lobby area of the museum.



We haven't decided how to orient the seats yet. We also haven't decided how the bridal party should enter. So many things to consider. Gracious me! This probably won't happen until we get closer to the date since they like to move around the statues and installations in this area.


The cocktail hour will be in the ambulatories surrounding the reception space.


It's nice because we won't have to dress it up too much. There's art on the wall for people to look at and talk about. Instant conversation starters.







Since the reception space is right there we were thinking about draping or screening to close it off so there's a reveal. Or we could just leave it open and dark which might be interesting. Once the lighting is up the space would come to life. We have to play around with that concept. My only concern is people trying to enter the space before it was time. Hmmm...

This is the reception space. Yums!!!


I'm hoping to make an appointment for later this month to do another walkthrough and talk to the new catering director. Sister took tons of notes during our informal visit and we have tons of questions. Given the past drama I'm a little apprehensive about the new person but I'll try to stay positive.

Thursday, November 11, 2010

Eleven Eleven


Woo hoo! It’s officially a year to the day till the fancy par-tay! You know what I did to celebrate? I bought me a wedding dress that’s what. Yes sireee! Sorry to disappoint but I won’t be posting any pictures. A girl has to keep some mystery. What I can tell you is that I’m a Cymbeline bride.

The other way I celebrated was to visit the venue. Since they are now open late on Thursdays we wanted to get a feel for the space during the evening hours.


Any 11.11.11 brides want to share how they spent the day?

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

Checking In

Oh The Times I’ve Had

I entered a wedding contest. Not so surprising. I got picked to be a contestant. Huh, that’s new. I got unpicked. That’s more like it. I got re-picked. Say what now?!? Exactly. Holy hell muffins!

To be continued. . .

-=-=--=--=-=-=-
In other news:

Last week’s check-in?

Yeah, about that. . .

I went to the gym on Monday like usual but it just went downhill from there. Plus, there was all this leftover Halloween candy... You can see where this is going.

I'm officially calling a mulligan on week 4.

Week 5 so far? Gyming it up two days in a row! Holler!!


Friday, November 5, 2010

If you're just joining us. . .

Here's what you missed on "Hearts & Whimsy"



Venue drama -- parts 1, 2 & 3

The Man With The Diamonds

My jeweler. How awesome is that?!? I feel like a rock star. Anywho, our next stop was Mr. Edward Lee. In a nondescript building on a nondescript street somewhere in the diamond district is the man who created “my precious”.

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Diamond District


A girl gets tired of pining for diamonds, face pressed up against the computer screen. A girl wants to feel the metal wrapped around her delicate digits and watch it sparkle under fluorescent lights.  Woo hoo!!! Field trip!!!
The Diamond District

A friend of ours recommended a jeweler with offices in the diamond district. So off we went. We were a bit on the early side for our appointment so we wandered into Michael C. Fina. What a happy accident that was!

Wednesday, November 3, 2010

Ground Beef Don’t Bleed*



This past weekend I had a…how should I put this? I had an interesting experience. Last week I received a message saying that I’d been specially selected for a free gift. I know what you’re thinking. I thought it too but sometimes I get curious. Naturally, I called them back and the young woman, let’s call her Jessie (cause that’s her name) informed me that I had won a free vacation (3 days, 2 nights) plus $1000 in coupons. Well, la di da! And all I have to do is listen to a presentation on cookware? No obligation to buy? I get a free meal? I’m there!

Cut to Saturday evening at the Marriott Marquis in Midtown Manhattan.

Rings & Things



Where’s the first place you look if you’re ring shopping? Why the interweb, of course.
My two favorite websites:

Blue Nile – Great place to explore diamonds and check pricing.  They are an excellent resource for  researching diamonds. The guides are super informative and easy to understand.

James Allen – Awesome 3D ring images. You can see images of the actual diamond being purchased. Plus the build a ring is pretty cool.

I spent quite a bit of time on these websites over several months. These are the types of rings I really liked:


Aren’t they sexy?

Next up:  A Trip to The Diamond District

Tuesday, November 2, 2010

Proposal Part I



After Mr. H and I had the “talk” I started surfing around that world wide web looking for rings. To be honest I was looking at rings before the “talk”.

For those curious souls this is how the talk went down:

Me: Okay, Buddy boy! What are we doing here?
(real romantic I know)

Monday, November 1, 2010

Hello November So Happy To See You

Source

 
It’s officially 12 months till my wedding month. Hot Diggity!!! Look who’s crazy now. You want goals for this month? I’ve got plenty. 

(1) Formally invite my bridal party. Mr. H. already invited his groomsmen. Overachiever! 



Saturday, October 30, 2010

Saturday Fitness Check In - Week 3

The third week is usually the make or break week. I'm delighted to report that I made it despite my many issues.

100 Push-ups Challenge
100 Sit-ups Challenge
Check the links above if none of what I'm saying below makes any sense.

Monday - Gym-ed it up with my face still numb from my recently completed dentist appointment. Forgot to do the challenge exercises.

Tuesday - Remembered that I had to do a challenge test to see which column to complete for week 3.

Wednesday - Umm... actually did the challenge test.

Thursday - Completed day 1 of week 3. Still on column one.

Friday - Completed day 2 of week 3. Walked the pup.

Saturday - Completed day 3 of week 3. Yipeee!!


The aforementioned pup.

That's why it's a Saturday update and not a Friday update.

Still trucking!

Friday, October 29, 2010

Asking the Maids - Part I

Not a terrible shocker but I will be asking my siblings to be in the bridal party. I see it's all the rage to do up a cute card or nifty newsletter to ask that they enter into several months of servitude. Lest I be left out of this very intriguing display of pomp and circumstance I felt it only right that I invite them proper. Hmmmm... now what?


Thursday, October 28, 2010

DIY? Try DIFM.



I’m less DIY and more DIFM. That’s Do It For Me.  As in, “Sister, you’re creative why don’t you do it for me.” Art wasn’t my best subject in school. Neither was wood shop or metal shop. Eh. You learn to accept these things and move on. I just came across these cuties and I’m going to try my hand at them this weekend. I mean my sister's hand. Ha!

How cute are these?

Wednesday, October 27, 2010

Fall Mini-Moon

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I haven't given a lot of thought to the honeymoon. After all, isn't it just a fancy name for a vacation? Whatevs! It occurred to me that maybe we could do a getaway weekend during Thanksgiving break. Here are some options:


Tuesday, October 26, 2010

Sample Sale & Giveaway

Remember when I said that Gabriella was the place you wanted to buy a dress? Well look who's having a sample sale!

Sunday, November 7th, 2010
12–5
No appointments

Up to 70% off wedding gowns and accessories 

~~~~~~~

The Thirty-Something Bride is having a giveaway. Enter to win a Ceremony or Wedding sign. These signs are super gorgeous.


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